*Details may vary with dates. Select dates to see exact details.
detour Opinion: Is this trip for me?
The Samba is a great economical option in the Galapagos, as it has one of the best itineraries of any yacht. Very few of the lower-priced boats make it to Isabela and Fernandina Islands---the Samba cruises to both of these islands to view penguins, tortoises, and whales and dolphins.
While the Samba is not a large or luxurious boat, Angermeyer Cruises is known for running great Galapagos trips with top naturalist guides!
The Samba is a beautiful and graceful 78-foot steel-hulled motor-yacht, whose stabilizing sail offers a smooth ride. She offers a luxurious opportunity for small groups of 14 passengers on a full eight-day tour of the islands. She is comfortable and well laid-out, meaning you will have plenty of space to relax in your cabin and in the ample public areas. She is the perfect yacht to enhance the magical nature of a trip to the Galapagos!
All of the Samba's cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms, ensuring your comfort and privacy on the cruise. You will be able to enjoy the delicious meals onboard in the air conditioned indoor saloon or under Equatorial sun on the outdoor dining area astern. Like all the ships owned or promoted by Angermeyer Cruises (Andando Tours), she is also a graceful vessel, befitting the natural Galapagos milieu.
This eight-day naturalist tour begins and ends on Baltra Island and includes a certified bilingual guide from start to finish. The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's richest underwater environments so it is fitting that snorkeling is one of the highlights of this tour. The small group of up to 14 passengers on the Samba will enjoy ample deck space and quality service while sailing through the stunning Galapagos Islands.
Highlights
Cruising on the Samba is always a friendly, family experience
Motor Yacht with 78-foot steel hull, 6 crew members, 7 double cabins, and 14 passenger capacity
She is spacious and has all the basic features
Air conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and hot water ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
2010
Day 1
AM Baltra Island – Arrival
PM Plazas Island.
Day 2
AM Charles Darwin Station - Santa Cruz Island.
PM Highlands- Santa Cruz Island.
Day 3
AM Gardner Bay - Española Island.
PM Punta Suarez - Española Island.
Day 4
AM Punta Cormorant - Floreana Island.
PM Post Office Bay - Floreana Island.
Day 5
AM Punta Moreno - Isabela Island.
PM Elizabeth Bay - Isabela Island.
Day 6
AM Urbina Bay - Isabela Island.
PM Punta Espinoza - Fernandina Island.
Day 7
AM Puerto Egas – Santiago Island.
PM Bartolomé Island.
Day 8
AM Black Turtle Cove – Santa Cruz Island /Baltra Island.
2011
NORTH AND WESTERN ISLANDS
Day 1 (Tuesday)
AM: Baltra
PM: Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
Day 2 (Wednesday)
AM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
PM: Prince Philip's Steps (Genovesa Island)
Perfect for those looking for the quality and trust offered by a company that has over 40 years of experience, however doesn't mind spending time on a smaller boat and in a smaller cabin.
On arrival at Baltra airport you will be met by the guide and transferred to the yacht. Samba will set course for South Plaza Island, giving you the chance to become acquainted with the vessel and have lunch.
Plaza Island is well known for its large Galapagos Sea Lion colonies, Land Iguanas, Prickly-Pear cacti, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Audubon Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropic-birds. The land visit may last 2-3 hours.
Day 2 (Wednesday) Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station / Highlands
AM: Charles Darwin Research Station (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz), where we will learn about Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas breeding programs on the islands, Afterwards, optional shopping and sight-seeing at Puerto Ayora.
PM: Highlands (Santa Cruz), we will have the opportunity to see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the wild. This is also one of the best sites for watching land birds such as Darwin's Finches and Vermilion Flycatchers, and Galapagos Doves. The land visit may last 2-3 hours.
Day 3 (Thursday) Espanola Island: Gardner Bay / Punta Suarez
AM: Gardner Bay (Hood Island/Espanola Island), snorkeling along Gardner Islet, maybe kayaking, and a walk on the beach to observe sea lions and Hood Island Mockingbirds.
PM: Punta Suarez, there are large colonies of Blue-footed and Masked (Nazca) Boobies, Marine Iguanas, Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls. The walk will take 3-4 hours starting with a dry landing.
Day 4 (Friday) Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant / Post Office Bay
AM: Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island), a wet landing onto a mineral beach, followed by a short walk to a lagoon, where we find flamingos and other waders. At the end of this trail we reach a beautiful white sandy beach where sea turtles nest.
PM: Post Office Bay (Floreana Island), we will visit the historic Post Office Barrel, followed by an early departure to Isabela Island. While navigating, we will be on the lookout for whales and dolphins. This will be followed by a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown for some snorkeling. The morning activities will take around 3 hours.
Day 5 (Saturday) Isabela Island: Punta Moreno / Elizabeth Bay
AM: Punta Moreno (Isabela Island), starts with a 2 hour walk across lava fields, while experiencing ‘oasis like’ lagoons, rich in flora and fauna. We will see Galapagos Flamingos and there is a good opportunity to spot our first cormorants and penguins.
PM: Elizabeth Bay (Isabela Island), there will be a panga ride to a quiet mangrove lagoon where sea turtles rest. Around Mariela Rocks, look for penguins, cormorants, and Blue-footed Boobies. The afternoon program will take around 2 hours.
Day 6 (Sunday) Isabela Island: Urbina Bay / Punta Espinosa
AM: Urbina Bay (Isabela Island), we will walk over different terrains, seeing large Land Iguanas, a variety of native and endemic plants, and sometimes Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. There are also the remains of a 50-year up-lifting, exposing coral heads and other marine fossils.
PM: Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island), there will be a dry landing, walking over lava fields observing large colonies of Marine Iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, penguins and sea lions, which will take us around 2 hours.
Day 7 (Monday) Santiago: Puerto Egas / Barolome Island
AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago Island), a coastal walk exploring the great variety of tidal marine life, Galapagos Fur Seals, sea lions, Marine Iguanas. There is good swimming off the beach and a broad array of marine life to view when snorkeling.
PM: Bartolomé, this is an up-hill walk and once at the summit we will experience panoramic views of Bartolomé and its famous Pinnacle Rock. We will also be swimming and snorkeling off the beach where we may see more penguins. It will take approximately 3 hours which includes a dry landing for the walk and a wet beach landing.
Day 8 (Tuesday) Black Turtle Cove / Baltra
AM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island), there will be a panga ride to observe sea turtles, rays and sharks. This will be a fairly short trip so we can return to Baltra in time for the flight to mainland Ecuador. This visit is done before breakfast.
PRISTINE AND BORN OF FIRE: NORTH AND WEST ITINERARY
Day 1 (Tuesday): Baltra & Santa Cruz: Las Bachas
On arrival at Baltra Airport all visitors pay their entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park and get their hand luggage checked by the Quarantine system. You will then be met by the Samba’s naturalist guide, who will assist you with your luggage collection and accompany on a short bus ride to the harbor to board the Samba.
After a light lunch the Samba will navigate for 25 minutes to Las Bachas. These organic white sand beaches are located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island and they are the most important nesting site for the green Pacific sea turtles of the Galapagos. Named Las Bachas after the American military occupation on Baltra during the Second World War, the place is a peaceful and beautiful introduction to the Enchanted Islands. On the shore is easy to encounter marine iguanas, sally light foot crabs, blue footed boobies diving and, in a nearby lagoon, we often find grater flamingos, black necked stilts and other shore birds. Swim or snorkel from the beach. B/L/D
Day 2 (Wednesday) Genovesa (Tower) Island: Darwin’s Bay & Prince Philip’s Steps
After 6 to 7 hours of navigation from Santa Cruz you will wake up to the beautiful cacophony of one of the largest tropical sea bird colony on the planet. The cliff tops are decorated with frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow tailed gulls, tropic birds and many other pelagic animals. Darwin Bay is the home of many nesting sea birds. Following a wet landing and with the early morning light you will blend in with the red-footed boobies displaying for potential mates as they collect nesting material.
The great frigate birds inflate their gulag sacks hoping to attract a female while others play their favorite game: piracy. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and mocking birds stroll the ground to find seeds and insects. The red mangroves, cactus and saltbushes contrast with the blue sky and the dark basaltic walls.
Following lunch you will do a dry landing to climb Prince Philip’s Steps. The steep ascend takes you 100 feet above sea level, to be welcomed by the elegant silhouette of red billed tropic bird and the aerobatic Galapagos shearwater, both interact with the precipice on fast approaches. The lava rock trail takes through the endemic dwarf incense tree forest, to find more red footed “lancers” nesting and many of their gannet like relatives, the Nazcas, loudly claiming the floor as their residence. The Palo Santo forest is dormant most of the year, to awaken in the rainy season and contaminate the air with a refreshing aroma.
As you exit the latent trees your breath may cease by the panorama of thousands of storm petrels flying erratically beyond the lava flows. This is the perfect scenario for the island predator to make a successful kill. The short-eared owl, known elsewhere around the world as a nocturnal predator, in Genovesa hunts in bright daylight. More cat than owl, waits patiently outside lava tunnels and crevasses to capture the stormy petrels as they leave their houses after feeding their young.
Snorkeling on Tower offers a view of a wide variety of tropical fish. B/L/D
Day 3 (Thursday) Marchena: Punta Meja & Playa Negra
All boats will travel back south after sailing to Tower; the Samba is the only one heading west-northwest. The Galapagos National Park Service granted us the chance of using Marchena’s magical shorelines to snorkel, dinghy ride and kayak. The forbidding endless and untouched lava flows where only science has reached land, no fresh water and very little precious soil, Bindloe’s serenity scenario is only awaken by the murmur and surge of the Pacific swells and musical argument of the castaway sea lions. Punta Mejía is one of the best sites in the Archipelago to snorkel. The calm and clear deep blue water of the north west coast, and the dark hostile topography of the location give the sensation of witnessing the beginning of our planet and its underwater world. Apart from great fish diversity, when we snorkel we often see rays, reef sharks and sea turtles.
Navigating southwest for 45 minutes to Playa Negra is always an exciting experience. More than once in the past we have seen bottle nosed dolphins, other cetaceans or feeding frenzies. After an early afternoon snorkel around recently formed lava grotto were marine iguanas feed, we will start a 5 to 6 hour sail to the west. As we get further away from the island the sea floor changes dramatically and we enter deep water, an oceanic drop-off. The Cromwell current, which arrives from the west from the very profound waters, brings richness to the surface and generates an superlative upwelling. As a result, there are positive effects throughout the marine food chain and we have a good record of cetaceans and other ocean wonderers on this navigation. Whales or dolphins are never a guarantee, but we will we do our best to find them. B/L/D
Day 4 (Friday) Isabela Island: Albemarle & Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Albemarle - Human history has left its footprint on this small corner of the Galapagos. Punta Albemarle, the northernmost point of Isabela, was one important US radar station to prevent any Japanesse attempt of destroying the Panama Channel.A small and deteriorated building is the reminder of the boredom and routine that rusted the mind of the juvenile navy officers. The soldiers were in charge of the three-week shifts where they never saw any action.
Nevertheless, the wild life gives the best example of constant struggle for survival, a fight were only the fittest continue. The recent lava flows are the nesting ground of the only flightless cormorant in the world and the basking terrain of the largest marine iguanas of Galapagos. Because not many boats visit this site the cormorants, that are very shy birds, display as they built their bulky nest we seaweed with total indifference to human presence. As the morning advances the iguanas give a show of adaptation as they wonder in to shoreline to feed on green and red algae. With this fantastic setting you can only be reminded that the only constant of the Islands is change.
Punta Vicente Roca offers an overwhelming diversity of geological formations. Located on the southwest end of Ecuador Volcano only a few miles south of latitude 0°, the area is an outstanding example on how the Islands were formed and how the forces of change have transformed the landscape and shaped the wildlife.
Vicente Roca is the home of tuff cones and lava dikes and is fertile ground for erosion and the disaster of collapse. We will look at the dramatic structures from our dinghies, as we also enjoy watching the Galapagos penguins, brown noddies, blue-footed boobies and other marine life. When the waters are calm enough the snorkel is fascinating. The walls of the tuff cones are full of colorful invertebrates and rich algae blooming give us a great chance of watching numerous sea turtles feeding. B/L/D
Day 5 (Saturday) Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island: Urbina Bay
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) - Only 30,000-100,000 years old Fernandina is the youngest island of the Archipelago. This immature shield volcano is less than an instant in the geological time scale. Not even your wildest imagination can give you a better setting to experience the start of life on an island. The whole Island is cover with hostile worthless lava. However, at Punta Espinoza the shoreline is teeming with life. Reptiles, birds and mammals all coexisting, singing and sexing.
It is a living museum with piles of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, hard working flightless cormorants, dwarf penguins, busy Sally light-foot crabs and much more. Don’t forget to look around because Galapagos Hawk is always on the hunt. The site is a true cradle of evolution. Snorkeling with turtles, iguanas, cormorants and plenty of fish is the best way to refresh after the lava walk.
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) - The hotspot under the Galapagos generates intense volcanic activity. The west islands are the youngest and most active of the Archipelago. Located in the center of Isabela, Alcedo Volcano is remainder of how volatile this Islands are. On the west shore line of Alcedo lays Urbina Bay. The landmass of the inlet was uplifted in 1954. More than ¾ of a mile of shoreline were created, and many coral reef extensions where exposed to air as the upheaval rose the seabed.
The brand new land became a perfect nesting terrain of the most beautiful land dragon. The land iguanas of Isabela are the largest in the Galapagos and in Urbina the colorful population offers a great example of their growing potential. The impressive yellow, orange/brown iguanas roam the low lands looking for flowers, fruits, leafs an shoots of their favorite plants. Also, when the rains arrive is possible to see giant tortoises sharing the land with the other primitive looking reptile. Urbina is a reminder of Jurassic times. B/L/D
Day 6 (Sunday): Isabela: Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno
Isabela Island constitutes almost half of the entire surface of the Archipelago. It is nearly 100 miles long and offers a remarkable diversity of habitats. Shaped like a seahorse and with volcanoes over 5000 feet of altitude, it is also the place of birth of vast mangrove extensions. Elizabeth Bay is the only place of the Earth where old tropical mangrove forests and penguins can be conjugated on the same sentence. The ecosystem is also the residence of spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and a nursery for fish and marine invertebrates. With the outboards off and using only our oars for speed, we will enjoy this serene array of life.
When you land on Punta Moreno you understand why the Spanish Bishop that discover the Islands said: “It was as if God had decided to rain stones”. When he first set foot on a lava field he struggled to find fresh water and in desperation was reduced to chew on cactus pats to quench its thirst. More than three centuries later a young Naturalist saw beyond the lava. Charles Darwin was amazed by the colonization of plants and the start of life over this terrain. He thought this process could easily compare to the origin of life in our planet. The mystery of mysteries… The pioneer cactus growing over the country of lava is contrasted with stunning oasis. Where lava tunnel roofs have collapse, brackish water accumulates o give life to greater flamingoes, moorhens, black-necked stilts and Galapagos Martins. B/L/D
Day 7 (Monday): Isabela: Tintoreras & Tortoise Breeding Center & Sierra Negra
Before breakfast you will wake up to walk on Tintoreras, a very small islet, were marine iguanas breed and blue-footed boobies dive and sharks rest. A small trail along the shore takes you to grotto formations were with tipped reef shark are resting. Through the clear and shallow water you will get a great view of the sharks that keep our oceans healthy. Sea turtles and penguins are always around and you will enjoy all of this without getting wet!
After a good Breakfast we will land on the main peer of Puerto Villamil. A five-minute bus ride will take us to the Tortoise Breeding Centre. Here we will learn about this emblematic reptile after which the islands have been named. Giant tortoises breeding were decimated for over one century and it is national priority to bring their numbers back.
We can’t leave the west of the Archipelago without climbing Sierra Negra. This giant and active shield volcano has one of the largest calderas of the world. Last active in 2005, the volcano is key to acknowledge how the islands are born of fire. The fumaroles, the lava flows and the vast depression formed by the collapse of the magma chamber are a reminder on how the world was when it was new. B/L/D
Day 8 (Tuesday) Santa Cruz: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station OR Baltra Airpot
If you are not joining us for 15 days, before you go to the airport you will stop at the Highlands of Santa Cruz. At 1800 feet the greenery offers the opportunity to admire the remnant of a Galapagos mature forest. The Daisy trees of the genus Scalesia decorate a couple of extraordinary geological formations. Known as “Los Gemelos”, this collapse craters and its surroundings are the home of many Darwin’s finches, mocking birds, vermillion flycatcher and a wonderful diversity of indigenous plants. It is important to leave the boat early in the morning to have a pleasant visit. Breakfast will be served at 6:00 am.
Departing visitors going to Baltra Airport and those who are staying on the Samba for a second week will all go together in a bus to Los Gemelos. Departing guests visit the craters and clients staying on board will have a full morning around the Highlands to see lava tubes and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. If you are remaining on board have lunch on the Samba. B
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OCEANIC FORCES AND ENCHANTED LAND: SOUTH, EAST & CENTRAL ITINERARY
Day 8 (Tuesday) Baltra & Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Center
A transfer guide will meet all arriving guests from Baltra Airport.
After to settling into your cabins on board the Samba and having a snack, you will land for the afternoon stopover at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you will learn how the magic is done behind the scenes. This NGO celebrates 50 years of scientific work, and it is responsible, in a great deal, for the conservation status and the restoration of the Galapagos. An important partner in the duty of preservation of this pristine archipelago is the National Park Service and they run the tortoise breeding centre. At this facility you will meet our conservation Icon Lonesome George, the last remaining animal from the species of Pinta Island. L/D
Day 9 (Wednesday) Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant & Champion / Post Office Bay & the Barroness Lookout
Following a four-hour navigation from Puerto Ayora we will do a wet landing on a volcanic olivine beach. Punta Cormorant lays on the northern shore of Floreana and is the house of greater flamingos and sea turtles. On one side, the point is partially flooded with a brackish lagoon where flamingos nest and feed. Whimbrels, herons and stilts are other common shore and migratory birds of the wetlands. On the other side sea turtles use every corner of a white sand beach to deliver their eggs. You often see stingrays and reef sharks from the shore and if you are lucky turtles ending basking.
Around mid morning we sail for 25 minutes do a dinghy ride and snorkel at Champion Islet. This small piece of land is one of two places were the Floreana mocking bird survives after its extinction on the big Island. While trying to find the rare bird from our dinghies, we will enjoy a beautiful landscape full of fairy tale cactus and terracotta rock formations. Soon sea lions will invite us to enjoy the water. The snorkeling around the island is extraordinary, lots of fish, rays, sharks and the playfulness of the Galapagos sea lions.
Adventure, survival, mystery and murder are the main ingredients for our next stop. Post Office Bay has left a legacy of pirates, whalers, scientific expeditions and intense stories of slay and constant ambiguity. After a wet landing we walk a very short distance to be part of the most important Galapagos tradition. Later we will Kayak or ride our dinghies to the west. We will go through a small set of islets with a sea lion colony, boobies and mangroves. Finally, following our ride we will land at the Baroness lookout. On top of this eroded spatter cone we will embrace the vivid obscurity of the human history of “Las Encantadas”. B/L/D
Day 10 (Thursday) Espanola (Hood): Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay & Gardner Islet
Hood is the oldest Galapagos Island, the Queen. Her Majesty has travel 100 miles away from the volcanic hotspot; she sets an example of splendor and wisdom. When landing on its western tip, on Punta Suárez, it is difficult to digest the beauty and the overwhelming amount of life. It takes a few minutes to understand that you are not dreaming and that the marine iguanas are really covered with fiery colors, sea lions leisurely wander around you, blue-footed boobies and Sally light-foot crabs coat the rocks with their intense grace. The long walk leads you the finest illustration of ancient sea bird colony. The endless cliff shaped by strong wave action and the force of the wind is the home of the only tropical albatross of the Earth. This mythical elegant glider shares the precipice with many others sea birds like the tropicbirds, the sallow tailed gull, the Nazca booby.
Depending on weather conditions, either at the end of the morning or early in the afternoon, we will snorkel or kayak around Gardner Island. Its calm waters and attractive landscape give you a great experience above and below water.
Located on the north coast of Española, Gardner Bay has tranquil white sand beach. The fine grains of sand make perfect terrain for a soft walk and a relaxing late in the afternoon. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t be alone, sea lions and Hood mocking birds will keep company. B/L/D
Day 11 (Friday) San Cristobal (Chatham): Isla Lobos & Kicker Rock & Punta Pitt
You will wake up to the barking of Galapagos sea lions, animals after which the Island was named. After a dry landing on Isla Lobos, we walk on over very rocky terrain. To your surprise red balloons will soon bound you, great and magnificent pirates nest on this small flat Island. Frigate birds with their magenta and green iridescent feathers decorate the saltbushes. The island is also the nesting ground of blue-footed boobies. Don’t miss the chance of swimming with sea lions; a few sea creatures are as playful as these marine mammals.
Before lunch we navigate by a dramatic tuff cone formation, Kicker Rock. The eroded structure has vertical walls of over 450 feet and has a great numbers of sea birds nesting and resting on it. We will circumnavigate the rock to admire its magnitude, soon after that we will jump in the water to swim with Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and eagle rays and drop offs full of colorful fish and invertebrates.
On Punta Pitt we do a wet landing late in the afternoon to climb a tuff cone and enjoy the sunset. This point is closest to mainland South America. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, frigate birds and storm petrel nest in the area. The ochre color beach is perfect for a relaxing plunge after the walk. B/L/D
Day 12 (Saturday) Santa Fe: Barrington Bay & South Plaza
The bay looks as if artist ornamented it. Barrington Bay is one of the most picturesque inlets of all visitor sites of the Galapagos. The white sand on the seabed reflects the light to turn the calm waters turquoise. A small forest of gigantic prickly pear cactus grows on a peninsula that keeps the bay sheltered. All the before mentioned are suitable conditions for a large sea lion colony. Santa Fe is an ancient extinct volcano and it has been isolated from other island long enough to have an endemic land dragon. Paler in color than its relatives, the Barrington terrestrial iguana has a primitive morphology. Galapagos Hawks, mocking birds, finches and endemic rice rats make company to yellowish monster. The snorkeling won’t disappoint you.
A two-hour navigation north will take us to South Plaza. The dry landing takes you to a brilliant combination of life and colors. Land iguanas wondering through bright red carpet weed, Swallow tailed gulls nesting around the overhang tops and red-billed tropicbirds and shearwaters flying with dancing displays. Mind the pirates of the sky; they will strike if you drop your guard. 13 acres of beauty Hectare is one of the best spots in the archipelago to see land iguanas and swallow-tailed gulls, both indigenous to the Galapagos. There are iguana nests scattered all over the hill. The sheer cliffs of the southern shore are a perfect bird habitat, making it an unparalleled bird observatory for especially swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon shearwaters, and red-billed tropicbirds.
If we have enough time and good weather we will swim or snorkel in Punta Carrion. A great way to end an active day! B/L/D
Day 13 (Sunday) Santiago: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome
The genesis of the islands is easy to acknowledge at Sullivan Bay. The coiled shiny structures of the pahoe-hoe lava appear as if they were formed yesterday. Located on the east shores of James Island these 131 years old lava flow has intact driblet cones. Older cinder cones were flooded by the rivers of lava and are a great example of aging igneous rocks. The contrast of colors and shapes of the basalt, and the distinction of rust and shine of its surface will take you back you of Mars, if you’ve been there before.
Bartolome Island offers an explosive volcanic landscape. Get ready to climb above 270 feet to admire the dramatic spatter cones and the view of Pinnacle Rock that everyone wants. Later, take a walk on magical golden beaches where sea turtle nest (December to March). Don’t forget to make time to swim near penguins, sharks and lava tubes. B/L/D
Day 14 (Monday) Rabida & James Bay
Galapagos offers a diversity of geological formations without boundaries. The island of Rábida has lavas rich in iron and after millions of years of exposure to air they have turned red. The rusted volcanic material has eroded to form a beautiful crimson sand beach, lovely for a walk. The protected shore provides excellent conditions for a Galapagos sea lions nursery and brown pelicans use the nearby saltbushes as a resting and nesting area. Hawks and mocking birds are common visitors of the lowlands. Furthermore, you will find that snorkeling of the beach can be very exiting as sharks, rays and many colorful fish are often visible.
Subsequent to a two-hour sail northwest we will do a wet landing at Puerto Egas also known as James Bay. The magical shorelines of the west of James Island are a combination of tuff cone, lava flows and organic sand. A rocky coast with a very gentle slope is used by a great number of shore birds and reptiles. Oystercatchers, whimbrels, sanderlings, turnstones, tattlers and other waders are mixed with marine iguanas and bright painted crabs to feed by the rich littoral zone. As grand finally, large lava tunnels, that are partially collapsed, are the houses of the Galapagos fur sea lions. The snorkel can be one of the best in the archipelago. Sea turtles feeding, parrot fishes, damsel fishes, white tipped reef sharks and many more… B/L/D
Day 15 (Tuesday) North Seymour Island & Baltra Airport
The visit to North Seymour is the best way of saying goodbye to the Galapagos. Following a dry landing at sunrise we will walk amongst the largest blue-footed booby colony of the Islands. If breeding you will enjoy their dancing and singing to find a mate. Not far from the dancers we have great and magnificent frigate birds nesting. The males inflate their pouches to attract the ladies that fly above them. Swallow tailed gulls and tropicbirds decorate the large basaltic walls of the island.
We will be back on board for breakfast at 8:00 and we have to be ready to check out at 9:00. It is always a good idea to do most of your packing the previous night so you can have a pleasant last early morning visit and a relaxed breakfast. B
*** This is the normal itinerary approved by the Galapagos National Park. We usually visit the above visitors’ sites. The time spent at each place will depend on the variety of wildlife present, weather conditions, etc. and decided by the guide and captain on board.
*Quito Package: 2 nights hotel accommodation as follows:
- 4 transfers in Quito
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in a first class hotel
- 2 buffet breakfast
- city tour
Price per person: $ 225.00 with a First class hotel.
*Quito Hotels:
Tourist class hotels:
Fuente de Piedra
Sierra Madre
Hotel Quito
First class hotels
Mercure Alameda
Eugenia
Patio Andaluz
La Rabida
Deluxe Hotels
Swissotel
Marriott
Hilton Colon
All of these hotels, except Patio Andaluz are located in the commercial area of the city at it will take you no more than 20 minutes to get to the airport. You have a lot of restaurants and shops near them. The hotel Quito is located in a hill where you can admire the valleys near the city as well as the city of Quito.
The Patio Andaluz is located in the colonial area of the city, downtown;
it will take you approximately 45 minutes to get to the airport.
*Guayaquil Hotels:
Tourist superior hotels:
Tangara
La Fontana
First class:
Continental
Four Points
Gran Hotel
Unipark
Ramada
Deluxe Hotels:
Oro Verde
Hilton Colon
*Transfers:
In Quito:
For 2 passengers with private car, bilingual guide and portage: $22.50 per person
For 2 passengers with transportation, transfer guide: $12.50 per person
In Guayaquil:
For 2 persons in private car with a bilingual guide: $22.00 per person
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
All lodging (7 nights) and meals as per the itinerary (From Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8). All transfers in the Galapagos---to and from the Baltra airport. Naturalist guide while on the Samba.
Not Included
Air tickets to and from Galapagos and transportation to and from the airport in Quito.
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100)
Alcohol and bar beverages on board the ship.
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Provider Rating: 12 trip reviews
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by Marilyn R., Minimal Experience,
Mar 09, 2010
Just the right amount of activities to keep us busy and make best use of our time. EXCELLENT guide! Sylvia, our guide was the BEST - so knowledgeable and organized
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Amazing Experience
by Sarah F., Minimal Experience,
Jan 28, 2010
The Samba, lead by Juan Manuel with support from the crew, was an amazing boat that provided us an amazing experience. I would recommend anyone for this trip. The trip was more educational than expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Also, I would love to return to Galapagos again.
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Very Nice Trip
by Tracy H., Minimal Experience,
Jan 07, 2010
Our trip to the Galapagos aboard the M/Y Samba was a very nice trip. Thank you Angermeyer! Thank you Detour!
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Fun in Samba!
by Susan P., No Experience,
Apr 15, 2009
Before reaching the Galapagos I had extremely high expectations for the trip. However these were continually exceeded. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on board the Samba. The crew were fantastic and looked after us thoroughly, our guide was amazing – a true expert who demonstrated the highlights of each of the islands we visited. Over the course of the week I saw more than I imagined possible in terms of wildlife and fauna.
When you make a booking over the internet, there is always the risk that reality is not as nice as described in the brochure. But in our case we found that reality was actually much better than the description. We had an unbelievable trip. In the first place, the nature guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable, but also able to explain things very clearly. In addition, we found that the program and the timing of visiting islands was very well organised. All members of the crew were very professional and friendly. We had great meals. Overall a fantastic experience.
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Our visit to the Galapagos
by Chris W., Minimal Experience,
Jun 20, 2008
Every aspect of the tour exceeded our expectations. We found the Samba and her crew a very good escort to the islands. Every member of the crew was exceptional in his own field and we appreciated the care that was taken to ensure that we were well informed and well looked after at all times. The only aspect of the tour that was moderately difficult was the snorkelling and that was only due to our own inexperience. The guide was at hand to help us overcome any problems and make sure that we were able to enjoy looking at the underwater life around the islands.
All lodging (7 nights) and meals as per the itinerary (From Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8). All transfers in the Galapagos---to and from the Baltra airport. Naturalist guide while on the Samba.
Not Included
Not Included
Air tickets to and from Galapagos and transportation to and from the airport in Quito.
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100)
Alcohol and bar beverages on board the ship.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
This is a 78-foot solid, steel-hulled motor - yacht (with stabilizing sail) -built in Holland . She is comfortable and well laid-out, offers good cabin and public - area accommodations, and has all the basic features that characterize the yachts we market.
Internal Flights Used for This Trip
TAME AIRLINE 191 DEPARTURE FROM QUITO AT 07:30 ARRIVING TO BALTRA AT 09:30
TAME AIRLINE 190 DEPARTURE FROM BALTRA AT 10:30 ARRIVING TO QUITO AT 14:30
Transportation Types
Motor Boat Commercial Jet
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
6 air-conditioned double cabins, each with private bathroom; and 1 air conditioned cabin with exterior shower and toilet.
Lodging Types
7 Nights Yacht
Average number of rooms in boat/lodge/hotel average
6-10
Lodging capacity (Average)
14
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability of Galapagos Islands
We in Andando Tours - Angermeyer Cruises recognize the importance of the sustainability of the Galapagos Islands, for this reason we strictly comply with the Galapagos National Park (GNP) requirements during our operations. In addition to this, we cooperate with the Galapagos Foundation, of which we are members, to recycle garbage in the Islands as well as taking to the continent what can not be recycled. But our main concern is directed to social responsibility projects, what we call "brown projects", related to the local people who are engaged in extraction activities or who are struggling economically. We try to integrate them to tourism activities that may help them to overcome her economical problems and at the same time preserve the environment. In doing this, we participate directly in the ASOGAL projects of social responsibility. The following are some of these programs:
In operation: Help to the Gravel Farmers Association, with feasibility studies, technological advice, operations funds (as advanced payments to contracts) to initiate an important project that supplies may tourism operators with 8 vegetables and fruits produced in Galapagos without the use of chemicals.
In execution: A feasibility study for the "Pearls of the Pacific" Bakers Cooperative to industrialize its plan in Galapagos. Also, help to several artisan associations in Galapagos to create a Museum-Store, so they can sell their products without the middleman and at the same time the tourists may enjoy of seeing them work and create their crafts. We are working on a catalogue to promote there crafts on board of our boats, and additionally, we buy from them our Christmas gifts and use their products to decorate our vessels.
In project: The creation of a Seamstress Cooperative to produce tablecloths and linens for boats and hotels. There is also a project with help of BID (Inter American Development Bank) and its FOMIN II, to create an accounting and administrative office that would help the forming cooperatives and the existing small business that may need their services. This office will have as staff local accountants that will be responsible for training new personnel.
In addition to all these programs, last year we donated the 25% of our income tax to build the Puerto Ayora Hospital. During this year we offered this 25% to be divided equally among three projects: Central University Campus, the construction of an embankment and day care center.
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
Equipment: twin DAV diesel engines 220 HP, two generators each of 21 & 12.5KW for 110V & 220V A/C and 12V & 24V D/C, Furuno radar, GPS, VHS & SSB radios, 2 tenders with outboard motors, Color TV, video equipment.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Licensed High Seas Captain, mate, cook, mechanic, 1 sailor, Multilingual National Park licensed naturalist guide III
Maximum Staff/Client Ratio
1 to 1
Maximum Guide/Client Ratio
1 to 11
Maximum Age
None
Weather
From month to month there are some differences in what you can see in the islands, however ,the differences in the experience itself are small,for example, from April to December you can see the waved albatrosses but not many sea turtles,the rainy season (December to May) is when land birds are mating and in the Dry season (June to November) sea birds have their mating season.
The average year-round temperature is 24°C
Yachts - Ships - Live Aboard Boats
Boat Length
73 feet
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Angermeyer Cruises
Why should I choose this provider?
There is one name that comes to mind when someone mentions the Galapagos Islands " Angermeyer "
Fiddi Angermeyer was born and raised in the Galapagos Islands learning his skills from his father Fritz, a boat builder and one of the first people to charter cruises in Galapagos. With over 30 years of experience in the charter business, Fiddi's appreciation of the Galapagos Islands and his knowledge of the sea can be matched only by few.
Angermeyer Cruises, with offices in Quito and Galapagos, has been formed with our customer in mind. Our sailing vessels s/s Mary Anne, S/S Sagitta, M/S Diamante, and M/S Sea Cloud have been arranged to meet the most demanding tastes, always taking into account the fact that because they are small to mid-size vessels, we are capable of offering our passengers a close experience with the Galapagos nature as a whole.
Our tour operator in Quito , Andando Tours, will take care of all the necessary arrangements such as reservations, ticket issuing, and mainland Ecuador programs, so as to facilitate your trip and optimize your time in our country, through personalized treatment.
In addition to our Galapagos and mainland services, we have set up a splendid restaurant in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos - the Angermeyer Point, where you can enjoy its fine cuisine at the best point of Academy bay.
We, at Angermeyer Cruises, are glad to have you on board!
Your Staff
Provider FAQ's
Do I need a visa to enter or visit Ecuador?
Check with your local Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate. However, most visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days, renewable for an additional 90 days. You do need a valid passport and it should be carried with you at all times.
What is included in the cost of my trip?
Onboard accommodation and meals, visits to the islands with a qualified naturalist guide, bus fares on the Galapagos.
What is not included in the costs?
The airfare to the Islands, National Park entrance fee ($100 cash), the INGALA transit control card ($10 cash) to be paid at the airport where you are departing for the Galapagos, beverages, and gratuities for the crew and guide are not included in the cost.
Do I need to worry about the water on board?
The water on board is safe to drink and complies with all health regulations and international standards. For your convenience, there is a hot and cold water dispenser on board for you to use at any time. Here you can refill your water bottle to take onshore or have with you in your cabin. In addition, a fresh bottle of water is placed in the bathroom of your cabin every day.
Do I need to worry about the food on board?
The food on board is completely safe and meets all international standards. However on mainland Ecuador and in Puerto Ayora, avoid eating uncooked food like salads and unpeeled fruits.
How many pieces of luggage am I allowed to take to Galapagos?
One piece of luggage (40 lbs or 20Kg) and a small carry-on bag that fits under your seat or in the overhead compartment in the airplane.
What is the electricity on board?
110V AC-60 cycles and 220V on certain social areas of the yachts (If visiting from Europe, bring adaptors.)
What language is spoken in Ecuador and on the Galapagos?
Spanish is the official and main spoken language in Ecuador. However, the vast majority of people involved in tourism speak English.
How do I pay my bills?
On board only cash is accepted. On mainland Ecuador and in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, you can use credit cards (with an additional 10% service processing charge), cash and travelers checks.
What is the local currency?
US dollars are used both in mainland Ecuador and on the Galapagos.
Traveler’s checks are accepted under special conditions. You can check with the captain or your guide onboard. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs but only with VISA or MASTERCARD.
Banking hours are: Mon – Fri 9:00am – 16:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Do I need to purchase anything onboard?
You don’t need to buy anything, but all individual bar consumptions should be paid in cash at the end of each cruise.
How safe is it to travel in Ecuador?
It is wise to watch your belongings at all times. Never leave your camera or other personal items unattended.
Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in the Andean region; however, it is always a good idea to be cautious during your visit.
* If you are not visiting the city with a guided tour, find out which sectors are unsafe and avoid them. Also, try to visit the touristic sites at normal hours.
* Avoid people who are too friendly or eager to help you, or who offer to show you around.
* Don't wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches when walking around the city.
* It is recommended that you carry shoulder bags and purses in front of you (in your chest) when entering a crowded place.
Should I carry my passport with me while visiting Ecuador?
It is recommended you make two photocopies of your passport, airline tickets, tour documents, traveler check’s numbers and airline itinerary, so you can leave one copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one with you separately from the originals.
It is essential that you carry your passport at all times in Ecuador. However, you can leave the original in the safe box at your hotel and carry copies when on a day trip. While you are in Galapagos you can leave all your belongings in your cabin. However, if you plan to use traveler checks in Puerto Ayora you will need your passport.
Is it customary to tip in Ecuador?
If you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to leave a tip for the crew with the captain, and one for the naturalist guide. In the mainland it is also customary to tip the guide, driver or a person serving you.
How old should my children be in order to travel on board the ships?
* Children under 6 years are accepted under certain conditions.
* Children under 12 have a discount (ask your travel agency)
* Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How should I dress on board?
Informally! Shorts and a T-shirt are recommended, but we ask you to remove shoes on board and place them in the shoe box. If you have tender feet you can bring some kind of comfortable sandals or slippers, to be used on board only; otherwise bare feet are totally fine.
From June to October, you might want to bring a light sweatshirt or windbreaker and light pants for the evening.
How should I dress on land, what type of shoes are best?
Again shorts, zip-off leg pants and T- shirts are fine for most visits on land. Sunglasses, hat with a brim and sun block are a must year round! Good walking shoes with a good grip are recommended; again if you have tender feet consider bringing sandals or Tevas for the wet landings.
From June to October, you might want to consider a light waterproof windbreaker for afternoon visits.
From December to April, long-sleeved, light cotton T-shirts might be a good idea if you have fair or sensitive skin.
What’s the climate like in the Galapagos Islands?
There are two main seasons on the islands: wet and hot, and dry and cool.
December to May (inclusive) are hot and humid (28°C / 82.4°F average temperature); although it is warm during the day there might be heavy rain showers that can last for 20 minutes or more. That is why the islands can be very lush and green at this time of the year. Consider using insect repellent while visiting the islands. The water temperature is perfect for swimming and/or snorkeling. It is wise to use a T- shirt or dive top while in the water to prevent sunburn.
Between June and November, it is cooler and windy (24° C/ 75.2°F average although at noon it can reach 33°C / 91.4˚F). It is also the “garua” season (local term for occasional light drizzle) especially around the southern islands. You might want to consider bringing a light rainproof windbreaker.
The water temperature is also cooler (20°C / 68˚F) at this time of the year. This means it is the best time for snorkeling, since the cold waters are rich in nutrients for the marine ecosystem, but you might want to have a wetsuit to keep warm.
Do I need to get any vaccinations to visit Ecuador?
There are no vaccination requirements to enter Ecuador. However, in some specific regions there are mosquitoes that can transmit diseases. If you are visiting the rainforest please contact your local health center for information on preventive measures.
What should I pack for Ecuador?
What to pack depends on where you are going, since one can experience all types of weather in Ecuador’s different regions. We have prepared a list of things that you should pack according to the region:
General Packing List: Passport, traveler checks, medical prescriptions if needed, your usual health and toiletry supplies, sun hat with brim, sunglasses, plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-bacterial gel for hands, clothing for warm and cool weather if traveling between regions, sandals, raincoat, small backpack, money belt, watch with alarm, flashlight, plastic bags for dirty clothes and shoes, cameras, extra batteries, and light comfortable, easy-to-wash clothing.
Andes: In many parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one day. Be prepared for chilly nights and cold rain. Warm, fast-drying clothes are recommended. Good hiking, water-resistant boots are also highly recommended with warm socks, a warm water-resistant jacket, water resistant over pants, warm gloves, headgear, binoculars and plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen (the sun in the Andes is very strong).
Galapagos: Sun hat with brim, sun glasses, good walking shoes, Teva-style sandals (for wet landings), swimsuits, plenty of high-factor waterproof sunscreen, snorkel and mask, windbreaker, light sweater or sweatshirt (especially from June to December), shorts and T-shirts, extra film, memory cards, batteries for cameras, underwater camera, binoculars, motion-sickness pills or bands, anti-histamine tablets or cream.
Coast: The same as for Galapagos, malaria-prevention drugs may also be necessary.
Amazon rainforest: Insect repellent, malaria pills, anti-histamine tablets, binoculars, plastic bags to keep clothes dry, swimsuit, lightweight quick-drying clothes, one long-sleeved shirt, loose-fitting pants, light windbreaker or sweatshirt (especially on boat trips), rainproof poncho that fits over you and your backpack, plenty of socks, Teva-like sandals (find out if your hotel provides rubber boots), Zip-lock bags or sport dry bags for things you want to keep dry.
All clothing should be loose fitting to help keep you cool and to reduce chances of being bitten or stung by insects.
FIT BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
When does my reservation become valid?
From the moment Andando Tours confirms in writing the available space and gives a deadline for you to confirm your acceptance.
Do I need to make a down-payment to confirm my reservation?
Yes. We need a 10% deposit within one week of the written confirmation to guarantee your reservation. Full payment is due 30 days before your trip start date.
What happens if I cancel the trip after receiving the confirmation notice?
We do charge a cancellation fee; the amount retained depends on how many days’ cancellation notice is given prior to your trip date.
If the cancellation is received:
* 61 days or more prior to your trip date, a service fee of $150 is applied for administration costs.
* 60 to 31 days prior to your trip date, the 10% deposit is retained.
* 30 days or less prior to your trip date, the full amount of the trip will be retained.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions described herein apply to all services, voyages and land programs contracted with ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
These General Terms and Conditions also apply to any third party services sold by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
The user of the services provided by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates must comply with the Terms and Conditions described herein and any updates published on the www.angermeyercruises.com or www.andandotours.com Websites under the section “GENERAL CONDITIONS” which will supersede any others.
It is understood that the user of the services provided by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates declares that this section has been read and understood, and that he/ she explicitly accepts these general conditions.
Prices:
The rates as published by us in our price list are valid until December 31 of any given year and include only those services specified within them.
Some price reductions during the low season and/or special discounts may apply.
Commission for travel agencies is directly negotiated with each agency.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates reserve the right to change/adjust rates in the event of additional high costs such as: increase in oil prices; significant rise in taxes; substantial changes in labor-related costs, which are not under the control of ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates will only recognize price quotations sent by them to the client in writing for special programs and other programs not otherwise published. These will apply only for the term stated in the corresponding quotation.
Medical Conditions:
Upon reservation of our services, the customer must inform, in writing any special medical condition, temporary or permanent disability, physical disability and/or any pre-existing illness that may require special attention or treatment. ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates reserve the right to refuse any reservation if they consider the medical condition might place the passenger at risk during the voyage or tour.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates will not be held liable for any problems arising as a consequence of a medical condition and/or disability the passenger(s) may have during the cruise’s activities or tour.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or affiliates hold civil liability and accident insurance to cover customers during the period they are using the services provided or sold by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
For this reason, ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or affiliates will not pay any medical expenses arising from a medical condition and/or physical disability. It is important that every customer take out his/her own medical insurance.
Services:
In case of any events of force majeure, or Acts of God such as: changes in government regulations, travel safety concerns, weather phenomena, civil or public disturbances, or any other situation(s) that threaten the wellbeing of the passengers and/or their belongings and/or the complete fulfillment of our services, ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates will provide their customers with a detailed explanation and, at the same time, will offer similar or equal alternatives, while continuing to provide the same quality service.
The passenger is then entitled to choose between any of the alternatives offered, or request a reimbursement of his/her money with no additional compensation or fee under the Terms and Conditions applying to the company.
Itineraries:
Regular itineraries for our boats and/or extension programs and/or land services are published in our brochures and Websites.
However, in the case of any event of force majeure such as: changes to National Parks and/or government regulations, adverse weather phenomena, civil or public disturbances, or any other situation(s) that may threaten the physical safety of our passengers and/or their belongings, the published itineraries may be changed. However, we try to keep, as much as possible, to the same number of visits to similar or equal places and to always provide the same quality of service.
Additional costs arising from these unforeseen changes in the itinerary, caused by events of force majeure are not included. In such cases, we will inform our passengers of these extra changes as soon as circumstances allow us. If a major change of itinerary is necessary, the passenger may either accept the change and choose any of the alternatives offered by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates, or request a reimbursement of his/her money under the Terms and Conditions applying to the company.
Complaints:
If any passenger is dissatisfied with the service provided or sold by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates, he/she must notify the guide in charge of the group, who will try to resolve the problem immediately.
If the problem persists, it is the passenger’s responsibility to register it on our Comments Card. If the passenger considers it necessary to receive a further explanation [on the matter] from the operator, the claim must be delivered in writing to the company that sold the service no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the voyage.
Insurance:
Insurance coverage applicable to the tourist activities described in this Contract is given below.
Personal injury insurance for passengers of ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates:
Accidental death US$30,000 per person
Total and permanent disability US$30,000 per person
Medical expenses US$3,000 per person
Ambulance US$150 per person
Extended civil liability insurance (Protection and Indemnity – P&I) applies for passengers on the sailing vessels: S/S Saggita, M/S Diamante and S/S Mary Anne.
P&I insurance covers an insured amount of US$ 500,000 per boat
Coverage:
* Civil Liability resulting from the passenger transportation contract to refund payments for: damage to personal property, illness or death of any of the registered passengers, hospital, medical or funeral services, or any other expenses arising from the accident, illness or death incurred during the contracted trip in one of the above-mentioned vessel.
* Civil Liability extended to passengers who suffer a personal injury as a consequence of an accident that occurs within the vessel or during the course of its voyage to include compensation for costs to send the passenger(s) to his/her final destination or to return to the port of boarding, and/or to provide due attention during his/her stay.
* Civil Liability to cover damages to a passenger’s personal property, but excluding the right to compensation for any goods such as cash, money checks or other negotiable papers, precious metal jewelry and valuable art objects unless covered by a prior specific contract in writing, and signed by the ship owner or ship charterer.
Exclusions and Limitations:
* There is no right to make claims relating to items a, b and c of this section, unless the Terms of Contract for the trip have been previously agreed upon by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
* There is no right to Civil Liability compensation mentioned in items a, b and c of this section arising from the transportation of any passenger by air, with the exception that the said Civil Liability occurred during the
repatriation by air of an injured or sick person after a casualty within our insured vessel.
* There is no right to claim of Civil Liability compensation mentioned in items a, b and c in this section when the passenger is on an excursion arranged by the insured vessel under any of the following circumstances:
o When a separate contract, taken out by the policyholder, exists regardless of whether the holder, or any of his/her dependents, participates in the said excursion.
o When the policyholder, or any of his/her dependents, has rejected the right to make a claim against any sub-contractor or third party regarding the said excursion.
The insurance coverage described above represents all the insurance taken out by ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates. The passenger must declare he/she has read, understood and agreed to the terms of this coverage.
Personal Information Required:
At least 15 days prior to the tour start date, each passenger must provide the following information:
Complete first and last names, passport number, nationality (in the case of minors a photocopy of the passport must be provided), native language, date of birth, any medical conditions or disabilities, special dietary requirements, medication(s), allergies, name and phone number of an emergency contact person and hotel details when staying in mainland Ecuador.
Passengers of not-average weight or height, must notify ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates in order to take this matter into account and offer the passenger every facility possible.
Note: ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or affiliates will make every effort to please passengers with their dietary requirements; however, if this is not possible, we will notify the passengers in advance.
Payment and Cancellation Policies for Charters:
Once a charter has been requested, our reservations and cancellations procedure is as follows::
* The booking will be valid once Andando Tours confirms it in writing, giving agencies a time limit for confirmation.
* Once the reservation of the charter has been confirmed, agencies have two weeks to send Andando Tours a 10% deposit to guarantee the booking. This deposit is not refundable if you cancel the full charter.
* The Andando Tours reservation system will automatically cancel any bookings that pass the time limit and confirmation or deposit has not been received.
* 90 Days prior to the cruise start date, Andando Tours requires a sales report. At this time, and if the agency considers it appropriate, Andando Tours may change the reservation status from charter to FIT with the clients already confirmed, and charging only US$150 for each cancelled space.
* Andando Tours require full payment 60 days before the cruise start date.
* If the cancellation is made 60 days or less prior to the start date, Andando Tours will charge the full payment of the cruise.
Payment and Cancellation Policies for FITs: (Individual Travelers)
Once an individual traveler has made a booking request, Andando Tours follows this procedure:
o The booking will be valid once Andando Tours sends a written confirmation, giving you a time limit to confirm this.
o The Andando Tours reservation system automatically cancels any bookings that pass the time limit to confirm and pay the deposit.
o Once the reservation has been confirmed, you have one week to send us a 10% deposit to guarantee the booking.
o Full payment is required 30 days prior to the cruise start date.
o If you cancel your trip the following applies:
+ between the date of reconfirmation and 61 days prior to the cruise start date, a handling fee of US$150 per reservation is charged.
+ between 60 and 31 days prior to your cruise start date, 10% of the deposit is charged as a cancellation fee.
+ 30 days or less prior to your cruise start date, the full amount of the cruise is retained.
Pricing Policies
The rates as published by us in our price list are valid until December 31 of any given year and include only those services specified within them.
Some price reductions during the low season and/or special discounts may apply.
Commission for travel agencies is directly negotiated with each agency.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates reserve the right to change/adjust rates in the event of additional high costs such as: increase in oil prices; significant rise in taxes; substantial changes in labor-related costs, which are not under the control of ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates.
ANGERMEYER CRUISES and/or ANDANDO TOURS and/or its affiliates will only recognize price quotations sent by them to the client in writing for special programs and other programs not otherwise published. These will apply only for the term stated in the corresponding quotation.
Cancellation Policies
Payment and Cancellation Policies for Charters:
Once a charter has been requested, our reservations and cancellations procedure is as follows::
* The booking will be valid once Andando Tours confirms it in writing, giving agencies a time limit for confirmation.
* Once the reservation of the charter has been confirmed, agencies have two weeks to send Andando Tours a 10% deposit to guarantee the booking. This deposit is not refundable if you cancel the full charter.
* The Andando Tours reservation system will automatically cancel any bookings that pass the time limit and confirmation or deposit has not been received.
* 90 Days prior to the cruise start date, Andando Tours requires a sales report. At this time, and if the agency considers it appropriate, Andando Tours may change the reservation status from charter to FIT with the clients already confirmed, and charging only US$150 for each cancelled space.
* Andando Tours require full payment 60 days before the cruise start date.
* If the cancellation is made 60 days or less prior to the start date, Andando Tours will charge the full payment of the cruise.
Payment and Cancellation Policies for FITs: (Individual Travelers)
Once an individual traveler has made a booking request, Andando Tours follows this procedure:
o The booking will be valid once Andando Tours sends a written confirmation, giving you a time limit to confirm this.
o The Andando Tours reservation system automatically cancels any bookings that pass the time limit to confirm and pay the deposit.
o Once the reservation has been confirmed, you have one week to send us a 10% deposit to guarantee the booking.
o Full payment is required 30 days prior to the cruise start date.
o If you cancel your trip the following applies:
+ between the date of reconfirmation and 61 days prior to the cruise start date, a handling fee of US$150 per reservation is charged.
+ between 60 and 31 days prior to your cruise start date, 10% of the deposit is charged as a cancellation fee.
+ 30 days or less prior to your cruise start date, the full amount of the cruise is retained.
The M/S Angelique is a tourist superior class yacht with 8 cabins accommodating 16 passengers for...
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Galapagos Islands on the M/Y Samba
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